This week the Indiana General Assembly reconvened for the second half of session. After a short break, the bills that made it through their originating chamber have switched sides and will now go through the same process in the opposite body.
We told you several weeks ago that the number of bills filed for this year was more comparable to a short session due to time constraints and COVID-19 precautions. After the first half of session, we’ve now seen that even fewer bills have moved than anticipated. Of the 410 bills filed in the Senate, only 167, or 41%, survived. The House passed even fewer bills—149, or 25%, of the 602 filed.
The small number of bills has not slowed down the pace at the Statehouse. There are still many significant bills to be moved.
House Bills
HB1007: State Health Improvement and Grant Program
Heard in Senate Health and Provider Services; committee vote expected next week
The bill requires the State Department of Health, in consultation with the Office of the Secretary of Family and Social Services, to study and prepare a plan to improve the health and behavioral health of Indiana residents. The bill also establishes a grant program and fund for preventing and addressing health issues and challenges.
HB1384: Civics Education
Heard in Senate Education and Career Development; committee vote expected next week
The bill requires that the state board of education, in coordination with the department of education, establish standards for civics education and provides that each school corporation, charter school, and state accredited nonpublic school shall require each student to successfully complete in grade 6, 7, or 8 one semester of a civics education course.
Senate Bills
SB54: FAFSA Requirement
Heard in House Education; committee vote expected next week
The bill requires all students in their senior year of high school to complete and submit the FAFSA unless certain conditions are met.
SB101: Education and Higher Education Matters
Heard in House Education; committee vote expected next week
The bill deems a student who is at least 17 years of age to have full legal capacity to enter into a contract for a Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship. The bill also amends requirements regarding the development of a student's graduation plan.